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11th March 2024
12:34pm GMT
Roy Keane has suggested that Manchester United should make a move for one of the Premier League's best strikers - Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins.
The England striker has scored 16 goals so far this season, second only to Manchester City's Erling Haaland, and is grabbing the attention of some big clubs.
Speaking on Sky Sports before Tottenham's 4-0 rout of Villa, Keane said: "He could play for one of the top teams, couldn’t he?
"Villa are a top team but you’re talking about bigger clubs in Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City," Keane added. "That’s a compliment to him, not that he has to leave Villa. But he’s capable of doing it.
"The kid is so sharp, he has a great shape to him. His movement is as good as any striker in the Premier League. He’s having an amazing season."
Roy Keane believes Ollie Watkins is capable of playing at one of the 'top teams' 🔊 pic.twitter.com/LXlO6wjZw4
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 10, 2024
Despite their heavy defeat to Spurs on Sunday, Villa remain in fourth place, thanks to Watkins being one of the Premier League's in-form strikers - scoring five goals in his last four outings.
The 28-year-old joined Villa from Brentford in 2020 and has scored 64 goals in 155 appearances for the club. This season he has also marked ten assists on top of his already impressive goal tally.
However, if any club is looking to snatch the striker from Villa, they may have to pay a hefty fee, after he signed a new deal with the club last year, reportedly taking his stay at Villa up to 2028.
"I’m really happy," he said following his new contract.
"I feel like this is the best place for me to play my football; I’ve still got a lot to achieve here. I feel like I’ve had a really good connection with the fans since I’ve come here. From day one they’ve been really good with me; we’ve had highs and lows but that’s football.
"You can see the direction of the club, and I want to be a part of that. We’re only getting started. The boss has been here for a year and you’ve seen the form and progression of players. There are other levels we can get to. Hopefully, we can push on and get to the Champions League spots – that’s the aim."
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Despite being locked down for the next few years at Villa, it might not ward off clubs like United, who will want to dip into their pockets as the club enters the Jim Ratcliffe era.
Watkins will want to focus on his current form, as the number 9 is aiming to be on the plane for England's Euro 2024 journey in the summer.
The striker, who faces stiff competition for minutes at international level with captain Harry Kane, has played for his country nine times, scoring three goals in the process.
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